Reports that NSW solar households are about to get slugged with shock new export tariffs are exaggerated – but only slightly. The sun tax is coming and it is controversial. A leading Australian energy retailer urges its tens of thousands of residential gas customers to go electric, in a deal that offers to wipe the network disconnection cost. Australians are increasingly keen on batteries, but the reasons why signal an ever-widening gap between consumers and industry. Two completely off-grid solar, battery and diesel generator systems have gone live in New South Wales, owned and operated by a network company. Is this the new norm? Reports that NSW solar households are about to get slugged with shock new export tariffs are exaggerated – but only slightly. The sun tax is coming and it is controversial. New scheme offers up to $60,000 per site – or $66,000 for regional sites – for feasibility studies into cutting gas usage by switching to efficient electric alternatives. Energy monitoring software specialist Solar Analytics has been bought up by Catch Power, a leading manufacturer of energy management devices. Austrian solar manufacturer unveils a new 400W glass-glass TOPCon solar panel that blends aesthetically with tiled terracotta roofs. It might not be as pretty as the Powerwall 2, but a new video shows Tesla's Powerwall 3 busy at work while sumbmerged in two feet of water. State budgets $5.9m for strategic review of long-running energy efficiency rebate, to focus it on helping households and businesses to get off gas.
New range of hybrid inverters and battery systems launches in Australia with ability to run "essential" appliances like air con through grid outages. Participants in the Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme are now banned from unsolicited telemarketing, and face a ban on door-knocking from August 01. For a typically slow month, April 2024 has neared record levels of new rooftop solar installs thanks to an early Easter and a strong showing from the Sunshine State. AGL Energy completes installation of a huge stand-alone solar and battery microgrid that will power a commercial almond orchard and slash its use of diesel fuel. Australia’s only solar panel manufacturer says its retail network has more than doubled over the past year to include around 100 partners nationwide. Solar for Apartments Program offers up to $100,000 to eligible bodies corporate, 50% as a grant and the other 50% a repayable, zero-interest loan.
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Sun tax: When it will hit, what it will cost and why solar export tariffs remain controversial
Energy retailer offers rebates to help customers say goodbye to fossil gas
Battery storage sales surge as households seek payback against the grid
Networks embrace stand-alone power as solar and batteries beat out poles and wires
Sun tax: When it will hit, what it will cost and why solar export tariffs remain controversial
New government grants to help business ditch gas for efficient electric alternatives
Catch Power buys Solar Analytics to create home energy optimisation dream team
“Terracotta” solar: New 400W PV modules blend in with red clay rooftops
Tesla Powerwall 3 submerged in fish tank still runs fridge, stovetop and coffee machine
State energy efficiency rebates to focus on electrification and getting homes off gas
New high-powered battery promises to keep homes cool through blackouts
Ban on solar “nuisance marketing” extends to energy upgrade cold-calls and door-knocking
Rooftop solar growth nears record levels, led by Queensland and commercial installs
Off-grid solar and battery system “twice the size of the MCG” slashes almond farm energy bill
Australian made solar panels now available through more than 100 retailers
Solar apartments: State opens offer of up to $100,000 to install shared rooftop PV